Houthi Movement Denies Bab al-Mandab Strait Closure, Confirms Restrictions on Saudi Vessels
Quick Look
- Yemen's Houthi movement, Ansar Allah, denied closing the Bab al-Mandab Strait, clarifying that restrictions apply only to Saudi vessels in response to Saudi Arabia's blockade of Yemen.
- This follows recent Houthi missile and drone strikes on Saudi oil tankers.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The Houthi movement declared a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia in response to Saudi actions against Yemen, leading to missile and drone strikes on Saudi oil tankers.
DOHA, July 24. /TASS/. Yemen’s Ansar Allah, or Houthi, movement has denied reports that the Bab al-Mandab Strait has been closed, saying that restrictions apply only to Saudi vessels, Houthi spokesperson Mohammed Abdul Salam said.
"Despite some claims, the Bab al-Mandab Strait has not been closed. The position announced by the Yemeni Armed Forces (controlled by the Houthis - TASS) is limited to a naval blockade of Saudi Arabia in response to its blockade of Yemen and its refusal to adopt a fair approach to resolving the situation in a way that guarantees the security, sovereignty and independence of the Yemeni people," he wrote on X.
On July 20, Yahya Saria, the Houthis’ military spokesperson, announced a ban on Saudi maritime navigation. In response, the Saudi-led coalition said it had taken measures to protect vessels transiting the Bab al-Mandab Strait. The Houthis later said they had launched missile and drone strikes on two Saudi oil tankers for violating the naval blockade. Saudi authorities confirmed that the tanker Encelia had been struck, adding that all crew members were safe.
Open Questions
- How will Saudi Arabia respond to the continued blockade?
- What will be the impact on international shipping?
- Will the conflict in Yemen escalate further?
